Last mission to repair the Hubble telescopeHubble space telescope discoveries have enriched our understanding of the cosmos. In this special report, you will see facts about the Hubble space telescope, discoveries it has made and what the last mission's goals are.

For their own goodFifty years ago, they were screwed-up kids sent to the Florida School for Boys to be straightened out. But now they are screwed-up men, scarred by the whippings they endured. Read the story and see a video and portrait gallery.

Todays Letters: Meeting was a good experience

Letters to the Editor
Published January 11, 2008

ADVERTISEMENT

As a 16-year "snowbird", I recently had an opportunity to attend Wednesday's Hernando County Commission land-use meeting. I was part of a large contingent to oppose the rezoning of property located at the southwest corner of U.S. 19 and County Line Road, from agricultural to commercial. This was the first time I had seen our county government in action, and I was highly impressed by the professionalism of the commissioners, their assistants and other government officials in their guidance of presentations for both sides of the rezoning issue. In addition, ample time was given for the members of the audience to express their views.

I wish to thank the entire commission, and especially Commissioners Rose Rocco and Diane Rowden, for their efforts and subsequent denial of the rezoning request.

W. K. (Bill) Hense, Spring Hill

A few questions about a chase

After reading my paper on the last day of 2007, there were many very interesting articles of things that happened in our area. However, they left out one that was real exciting. It was a very short article, but full of action. The headline on it was Chase leaves trail of 13 suspensions (Dec. 19).

I read this and then I got my soda, bowl of popcorn, moved my recliner real close to the TV and looked for the chase on it. No chase scenes. Not even any pictures from a helicopter.

The article sounded like a preview from a movie. It started with a wanna-be Dukes of Hazzard stealing a red sports car. Red? How many red cars are on the roads these days.

It is seen by stunt men, dressed in deputy uniforms and driving cars with Sheriff's Office emblems on them. Hey, what's a high-speed car chase without cars being in wrecks? They just had to have at least two cars crash into each other, one go through a fence, and one skid on a patch of sand and hit an oncoming vehicle. How many sand patches were on that road?

First, in the article, the sheriff's deputies were driving in circles. Usually, in high-speed chases I've seen on TV, there are always lots of chase cars behind the car they are chasing.

I will not name one of the stunt men - oops, deputy - however, one was mentioned as a canine officer who drove 117 mph to respond to the scene. I have two questions about him. First, who clocked him doing 117 mph? Second, what would have happened if he hit one of those patches of sand? Busy roads in the Spring Hill area and only one car hit by one of the cruisers? Wow!

Finally, the article said that this man had stolen the car. But the article also said he crashed "his" red sports car. How could it be his if it was stolen by him?

Let's make this the last question. One deputy provided backup and popped a tire during pursuit. Was he trying to do a wheely with the cruiser? Did he have a spare tire? I got excited. Did they?

Kenneth H. Mueller, New Port Richey

Get help keeping your resolutions

In the coming weeks, millions of Americans will tackle the annual ritual of making resolutions. Eat better, exercise more, lose weight, quit smoking; these are among the perennial favorites. Some will succeed, some will stumble and others, come March, will join the ranks of those vowing to try again next year.

What is the secret to New Year's resolution success? Not going it alone!

So, this year, the Hernando County YMCA is encouraging families to put a new twist on the old custom and make resolutions together as a family. We have worked for more than 19 years in Hernando County to build strong families, and every day, we see first-hand the power of a supportive community and family in achieving goals.

The need is as strong today as ever before. Families are under increasing stress and struggle to balance work, family and health and to find supportive communities. Children struggle to develop the positive values, self-esteem and healthy habits for a healthy, productive adulthood. Studies confirm again and again the vital role that interaction and connectedness play in the long-term health and well-being of individual family members.

The Hernando County YMCA offers the following tips for family New Year's resolutions:

- Track progress in a fun, interactive and visual way. Put resolutions in writing and display them on the refrigerator where every family member will see them regularly. Be creative; make resolution posters and charts for mapping progress.

- Celebrate with positive, healthy rewards. Honor each small success with positive, fun and healthy rewards that meet the needs of the entire family. Schedule regular check-ins, such as a monthly family dinner discussion, and celebrate your achievements, big and small.

- Prepare for setbacks. Setbacks aren't failure; they are times to call in the troops for reinforcement. A bout with the flu might get the whole family off track for a week or two, so schedule a family meeting to get restarted.

- Work together as a team to overcome barriers. If a family member is having trouble meeting a goal, brainstorm together to develop a new strategy. For example, if mom is having trouble finding time for exercise, the kids can do the dishes a few nights a week so she can take a 30-minute walk.

We encourage all families to make family connectedness the foundation for their New Year's resolutions this year. Please visit www.ymcasuncoast.org for additional tips and ideas. Best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year!

Sue Ball, District vice president, YMCA of the Suncoast, Citrus and Hernando Counties

Re: Deputies should cover tattoos Jan. 3 letter to the editor

Lighten up and go get some skin art

I come home from a hard day's work at the hospital about 7 p.m., my kids greet me with laughter and my wife (who has a tattoo) is warming my dinner. I sit back and open the Times to read a letter from a man (who has too much time on his hands) complaining about a law enforcement officer (who risks his life for a living) because of his body art.

Mr. MacFarlane, I would save your life in a second, but I, too, have two tattoos. America is made of different people. That's what's great! Times are always changing, so get with it. Sell your eight track, get an iPOD, then go get inked. If that's not your style, then keep your opinion to yourself. People like you try to make this world miserable.

Jeff Huber, Brooksville

Your voice counts

We welcome letters from readers for publication. To send a letter from your computer, go to www.tampabay.com/letters and fill in the required information. Type your letter in the space provided on the form, specify that you are writing the Hernando section of the newspaper, and then click "submit." You also may cut and paste a letter that you have prepared elsewhere in your computer.

If you prefer, you may fax your letter to (352) 754-6133, or mail it to: Letters to the Editor, Hernando Times, 15365 Cortez Blvd., Brooksville, FL 34613.

All letters should be brief and must include the writer's name, city of residence, mailing address and telephone number. When possible, letters should include a handwritten signature. Addresses and telephone numbers will not be printed. The Times does not publish anonymous letters.

Letters may be edited for clarity, taste, length and accuracy. We regret that not all letters can be printed.